3019 Heat Illness Patients This Year... "Second Largest Scale Ever"

KDCA, "Drink Water Frequently and Avoid Activities During Hot Hours"

The number of heat-related illness cases reported up to August this year has exceeded 3,000, marking the second largest scale in history.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) on the 23rd, as of the 21st, the number of heat-related illness cases reported domestically was 3,019.

Heat-related illnesses are acute conditions caused by heat exposure. Symptoms include headache, dizziness, muscle cramps, fatigue, and decreased consciousness when exposed to high temperatures for extended periods. If left untreated, these illnesses can be life-threatening. Heatstroke and heat exhaustion are representative examples.

Since 2011, the KDCA has operated an emergency room surveillance system for heat-related illnesses targeting emergency medical institutions nationwide. The current number of patients is the second highest, following 4,526 cases in 2018, which was the highest ever recorded. It has already surpassed last year's annual cumulative total of 2,818 cases.

Among this year's heat-related illness patients, 31.4% are elderly aged 65 or older, and by gender, males accounted for 77.6%, more than females. Heat-related illnesses mostly occurred outdoors (78.0%), such as at outdoor workplaces (31.3%) and rice fields or farmland (14.6%). The illnesses were mainly heat exhaustion (55.6%) and heatstroke (20.7%).

By time of occurrence, 56.2% of cases happened between 12:00 and 18:00, more than half, while 26.9% occurred between 6:00 and 12:00, and 16.9% between 18:00 and 6:00 the next day. This indicates that caution against heat-related illnesses is necessary not only during daytime but also at night.

To prevent heat-related illnesses, it is crucial to follow health guidelines such as drinking water frequently, staying cool, and refraining from activities during hot hours. When heatwave warnings or advisories are issued, reducing outdoor activities during hot hours and, if unavoidable, wearing wide-brimmed hats and light, loose clothing can help prevent heat-related illnesses.

If a heat-related illness occurs, immediately move the patient to a cool place, wipe the body with a wet towel, water, or ice, and lower body temperature using a fan or hand fan. If symptoms do not improve, visit a medical institution. If the patient is unconscious, promptly call 119 for emergency transport to a hospital, but do not force the patient to drink fluids due to the risk of choking.

Ji Young-mi, director of the KDCA, stated, "Heat-related illnesses can be prevented simply by following health guidelines, so it is very important to drink water frequently and avoid activities during hot hours." She added, "As heatwaves and tropical nights continue, please pay attention to your health by drinking enough water and maintaining a cool environment not only during the day but also at night."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.